2021-11-15
A grant pool of $70,000 opens today for to support participation, skill development and social connection for Canberra’s social housing tenants.
This year the eligibility criteria has been expanded so there will be more opportunities for more tenants to participate in the community and online.
Previous grant recipients have applied for activities which support their wellbeing and better connect them with the community such as online painting classes, swimming lessons, cooking classes and purchasing utensils, career planning and coaching, skills training and community theatre memberships.
Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services Rebecca Vassarotti said the expansion of the eligibility criteria will ensure the wellbeing needs of social housing tenants can be better supported following a particularly challenging and isolating lockdown.
“Connecting people across our community and supporting them to do things that support their wellbeing is key for Canberra’s social recovery from the pandemic. These grants create more opportunities for social housing tenants to engage with the community after a period of uncertainty, stress and isolation,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Tenants will be able to apply for grants which help them build positive social relationships across the wider community or even learn new skills to chase their ambitions and kick their goals.”
One couple, in their 60s, received a grant under the 2020-21 Tenant Participation Program to attend Peking Opera classes. The grant funded their classes and a specially designed costume so they can participate in an upcoming performance.
Their daughter Jessie, who applied on their behalf, said that on her parents’ low income they wouldn’t have been able to participate in this opportunity.
“It’s great for them to be able to have some money to spend on an activity that is not just an essential like going to the doctor or buying food. They are able to attend something good for their mental health and something to make them feel bonded to their local community, especially as English is not their first language,” Jessie said.
“It’s really helped their sense of belonging. I recommended this program to a friend of mine whose family is in a very similar position. Applying was easy and once the grant was approved they were able to do something that adds greatly to their life.”
Eligible activities must align with the three core development areas of social activities, life skills activities or education and work activities.
The Tenant and Participation Grants open Monday 15 November 2021 and close 5:00pm Friday 21 January 2022. For guidelines and more information visit: https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/home/grants